Dog Treat Recall's

Lizzie

Loving and taking care of our pets and certainly keep you on your toe's.  Here are some thing FYI that I hope will help. :)

Yep it's true - I definitely need to get my dehydrator going in the jerky department.  This is in fact the 2nd time I believe there's been concern with the chicken jerky for dogs. 

Dog Food Recall's

Here is another important topic on vaccines from The Whole Dog - they have numerous articles of interest. 

Vaccines Can't Immunize


Thought I'd post a picture of my missed little friend and old neighbor Lizzy a Rough Coat Jack Russell - high energy - but not when I captured her here resting in the sun.   :)

We awoke to hives, no day 3!

Well how did you sleep?  Me not bad with a not so good thrown in.   Gordy and Sophie slept fine - so did Lilly, we're happy to say.  I just kept praying that everything would be well when we got up - actually I think it was more of a plead boarder line whine!  Forgive me Lord but as it was closer to getting up it was rough going - for me (lol). 
All kinds of thoughts - what is causing it, did she get bite, what did she get into, can't afford a trip to the vet / they have to knock her out, but she's not itching, she's not sick and on and on my mind went! And, if your thinking - Colgon, (if your old) it doesn't work never has - it never took me anywhere! Do they even sell it anymore ~  lol
So - time to get up - no hives, swelling around nose better also her nose on top seemed to ooze a liquid, that seems to have dried up - Thank you Jesus! I said,  and let everyone out to do their business.  Then noticed, a few small bumps on Lilly's hind quarters - though, not bad and she seems to have definitely improve - I'm still very thankful. 
So I was checking my email this morning and noticed my news letter from The Whole Dog , thinking to myself dummy; I should have checked the site about hives! I pulled up and article on using oregano oil.  In fact the article listed a book I have The Cure Is In The Cupboard by Dr. Cass Ingram.  I couldn't believe it and I purchased the book years ago after listening to an interview with him on the radio driving to PA.  I even used Oil of Oregano myself and never replaced it; that's what I hope to be doing today and so happy I found the article - there's no reason for me to think Oil of Oregano wouldn't work for Lilly or Sophie.  Sophie has problems with allergies and yeast from time to time.  Pets are difficult to help sometimes - they can't tell you in words whats wrong, you just study them carefully and learn to read then.  It's a job and truly an adventure with all of them!  Hope to get a picture today with my camera!  :)

We awoke to hives!

I should call this post "Adventures With Lilly!"  The poor sweetheart and that's what she is.  I/we don't know what caused this reaction or what she possibly allergic to.  But, we'll certainly keep watch.  You know - if you have animals, or kids for that matter, there's never a dull moment.  :D   I gave her a couple Benadryl and it is working - thank the Lord.  It does make her sleepy though which is okay so we can keep her resting and out of the heat.  The photo doesn't show the hives - they are shrinking and she also doesn't like to be bothered to much so few pics.   While surfing the web for info on hives I came across some valuable information for you out there with dogs.  One thing we know is that Benadryl seems to work what we didn't know is they have a toxic reaction to Sudafed.   I have never even thought of Sudafed for a dog and I'm not sure what it would do for hives anyway.  Please check that article out here.  It's a site with questions from pet owners and answers from vets.  Another link with good info is here scroll to hives.   I also need to mention that I came across a nice blog called The Happy Pit Bull Blog check it out there's a great dog called Dozer there!  He also had hives - an older post - Lilly wasn't that bad.  I happy for that~  BTW - you can click on newer posts on Dozer to see hive updates, he's a sweet pup too!

"There's never a dull moment~"

It had been a long hot summer - the pups are sure happy about things cooling off, especially Sophie our bullmastiff!  You'd think she was a snow dog. . . as soon as it cools off she comes alive.   But more in spirit since she has Hip Dysplasia; a painful thing for any dog to go through and I believe especially hard on larger breeds.  Frankly, I was shocked when given the news last year.   At the young age of six years she has been doing well over all but I have to say very discouraging.  Sophie tries to do as the pups in keeping up but that generally bums her up the the next day or so.  Walking helps as well as high doses of Glucosamine and Chondroitin - we've also been watching her weight.  I believe many things can attribute to weight issues not only food and our dogs have been on a good diet for dogs.

I'm always conscious of how she moves and there are times when she favors one leg more than the other.  Recently after closer investigation I saw that her leg wasn't just swollen, it never was previously, it also had an opening that was infected (There was a small fatty growth in this spot that either ruptured or got scratched in play.)

So I thought I'd get her in to the vet, (though reluctantly) we normally try and treat our animals at home. However, not being certain if there was something in the wound - off we went.  We should have stayed home!   Once we arrived Sophie and I went right in with her recognizing where she was and after dropping to the floor tried to leave.  She had seen a vet in Ohio with never a problem.  The last time here we brought her in with limping favoring her back legs; her overall experience wasn't so pleasant.  That's of course when Sophie got x-rays of her hips and finding out about the Hip Dysplasia.  It all seemed rather dramatic for her and with me not aloud to go in she wasn't cooperating.  I happened to see through the door they had her on the table lying on her back with Sophie putting up a struggle.  I just went in and calmed her down to get the pictures.  I truly believe she was in pain and being wrestled on a metal table didn't help.

So with Sophie and me setting on the floor waiting - the vet's assistant came out to take her back - I mentioned I wanted to go with her and apparently that was going to be a problem.  I was quickly informed that there was other "patients" back there and typically wasn't aloud - she would ask.  It was a little wait but the vet came out and looked at her - I showed her Sophie's leg in question - the vet took her nail and scraped at it - ordered up a script for an antibiotic - asked how much I was feeding her and after I told her - "she is to fat she should be getting 1/2 cup a day!  I explained to her that I cut way back to 2 - 2 1/2 cups and even at times fast her.  To much she said. . . whatever!  She didn't even weigh her or ask how she does over all - didn't even look at her leg other then to scratch at it with an uncovered painted finger nail. . ."is it just me!" lol  Walking off  the receptionist said that will be 90 bucks! What can I say?

So I took Sophie home got her antibiotics going and used warm compresses on her leg.  Junk kept coming out and she felt better.  I kept this up until mostly if not all the stuff seemed to be removed and over a few days.  Swelling gone and wound healed.

Lilly

Lilly is a sweet girl and pretty tough; though she had a time of it when her nail split lengthwise.

All the dogs (including Sophie if I don't catch her) love chasing up and down along the fence.  As you can see it isn't like running in a meadow where there's grass; we have rock / granite / dirt!  It isn't even like running on a sidewalk this stuff can chip nails if they aren't kept short.  So prior to taking Sophie to the Vet we took Lilly mid September with her being a real trooper until they clipped the nail.   I could have done it myself but the way it was split lengthwise and so close to the toe I choice not to.  (Of course same vet - and I "couldn't" go in with her).  I asked that they trim the rest up and they had to sedate her to do so.   You see Lilly's nails seem to be very sensitive I learned this when at home I previously tried trimming them -  when one broke before,  she did fine until I started trimming the rest with a nail a tad short.  Well after that you can't seem to get near them!  Over all she does well.  It took around a month or so to heal.  For a few weeks I used a leash - then I'd let her out by herself, etc. 

I need to add this to Lilly's story.  After the vet or her asst. trimmed Lilly's nails - leaving some :/ she asked me "why are her nails so brittle?"  I almost said, "Why don't you tell me - you're the Vet!" Instead I replied, "I don't know."  I know have been giving the dogs what I used to give Sophie and Miki in the past.  Cod Liver Oil and Vitamin E (or wheatgerm) Nails have improved.  :)

Gordy on the other hand doesn't seem to be bothered by all the "issues" the females are going through.  He and Sophie have their moments but he loves on her - he's very gentle when she want's to play.   Of course now that Lilly is pretty much all mended up they both like to rough house but that is kept at a minimum.   Sometimes I get on their case when the two are tug o waring and wrestling around.  For the most part they spot.  Sometimes it just gets very quiet and they've moved it to the bedroom and on top of the bed!  When it comes just to Gordy I'm sure he thinks he's top dog and is pretty comfortable where ever~

Now on a different note~  Can you guess what this is?

It's been said that chickens will eat just about anything - maybe even anything!  Friday my Dad, with my help,  preformed surgery on a rooster.  Surprised?  Let's say it wasn't in my plans for the day.  I knew it was coming since the rooster swallowed it few - several days prior; it wasn't passing through to the gizzard and keeping him from eating or digesting.   Poultry have been known to die from things being lodged in their crops.  Some suggestions were given to help remove the obstruction but it never would have worked.  I read (after we preformed surgery) that if using water, olive oil or liquid paraffin.  In serious cases surgically removing was listed as an option and that of course is what Dad chose.  I was that serious but the suggestion was in taking the "chicken" to the vets.  Dad had done this before and by himself!  I was impressed to say the least and really marveled at the rooster.  Really!  Well we gathered all that was needed - I'll leave the details out but will say I sewed him up!  Yes, me!

So what is the picture of?  Have you given up?

An old banana peel - to the right the hard stem!

In quoting my cousin Tammy - whom I haven't seen in years, "There's never a dull moment~"  Dad and I did such a great job I mentioned we ought to take it on the road - or not~  Not!

Happy July!

Gordy & Lilly

It's been a couple months since I've visited this page and have missed posting having so many things to share with you.  Hopefully one day I'll get them in here.  Most recent - of news, is that our Lilly "Pad" as I call her is here for an extended visit.  She and brother Gordy are getting along wonderfully. 
Lilly also enjoys playing with Sophie and plays very gentle with her.  I suspect she knows Sophie's (Bullmastiff) joints aren't doing well.  We found out a year ago that she didn't have any cartilage just bone on bone in her hip joints (a good article on Hip Dysplasia *) so she has a hard time of it.

*Keep in mind that I do share links but don't necessarily agree with all.   Example would be the use of NSAIDs for dogs without researching more; I was under the impression that dogs can not use some since it's potentially harmful to them.  However, I'm not a vet and would need to seek advice on that subject.

Sophie

Typically we've gone with what the breeder recommended for Sophie (Natural Rearing) and find after research it to be the best advice.  I personally don't like treating with conventional methods unless no other choices.   When all the pups where born we could not afford the more holistic approach and as for food bought what we felt would be a close second to a raw diet.  I located the food through Shirley's Wellness Cafe.  Also placing Sophie and Miki on the same they had done okay but Sophie had put on weight.   Since then we've gone back to at least giving her a mostly raw diet, as well as, Gordy and Lilly while she's here.  Our boys told us the pugs (grand pups) and Lilly started eating Earthborn "grain free" Primitive Natural; the grain-free makes me happier!  Primitive Natural is sold in small bags of 28lbs verses the 40lb bags of the other - I believe it is better if you can afford it and don't want to feed raw.  Sophie and Miki when she was with us definitely did better on the raw diet and that's our preferred choice.

For treatment of Sophie's joints I give her a good dose of Glucosamine and Chondrontin, the brand I use is Nature's Plus, that seems to be helping.  Most recently I found a product on line and was impressed with all the testimonials from other users.  It's called, Arthro-IonX through Vetionx Natural Pet Health Products.  So along with getting back to her or as close to "old diet" we're giving this a go; using the recommended amount in food or water. 


On a lighter side of things, I found this listed on the Framers Almanac web-cam listing.  The Hen Cam is so cool you'll love checking this one out!  If you have small children they will love seeing what the chickens are up to - and the goats on the goat web-cam.

FYI Plum Lyme Disease

I opened a news letter today from Whole Dog and felt this is one article that I couldn't just pass by and not share.  Lyme Disease is something that not only effects your dogs but is also very serious to humans.  I hope you take the time to read this.  

Plum Lyme Disease

FYI - PET FOOD RECALL!

I've been so busy I miss spending time on my blogging - hopefully soon, however, I wanted to share this important information.  
Another Pet Food Recall..

Are You Feeding Your Pets Food Appropriate For Them?

I guess the first question you should answer before you even consider "what to feed your dog" is "what is a dog?"  You might laugh, but it's an important question, and is normally the first thing one would ask when considering what to feed an animal or what things that are appropriate for the animal.

According to Wikipedia a dog is - a domesticated form of the wolf, a member of the Canidae (wolf like dog like [fox etc.]) family of the order Carnivora (carnivore) meat eaters.  That's right folks - "meat eaters!"

Just like people (my opinion) if you aren't eating what your body can process for your nutritional needs you aren't eating right.  There are things that aren't good or right for humans.  Some may do well with a protein type diet others a carb type and some maybe both.  But this blog is about pets our dogs and dogs aren't human!  They then need what is right for them.

There's a lot of talk out there on dog food and what to feed them; anywhere from whats best to what a person can afford.  My dad has been known to say; "It used to be that your dog lived a long life without much problems - now your spending thousands of dollars just to keep them alive!"  There seems to be some truth in that statement and I believe it can have a lot to do with the food.  However, I won't deny there are irresponsible owners, bad stuff that just seems to happen and somethings beyond our/their control.

Over the years we've had several dogs and before moving to Ohio our dog Otto was eating what we thought was best for the price.  It didn't have a lot of grains and seemed to have all the things that you would say sounds and looks good stuff - Otto appeared to be doing fine.  Then we purchased a Jack Russell and had them both on what the breeder had their dogs on; Nutro (lamb/rice) this seemed to be good also until after moving to Ohio.  It only was a short time after moving Otto started to develop allergies - which lead to several costly trips to the vets and several food changes - none that worked. Our Jack on the other hand still seemed to be fine.  I'm sad to say we lost a wonderful dog in Otto, he became so ill and in so much pain we made the decision to put him down than continue a regiment of prescription drugs that didn't work.

Our son and daughter n law purchased a bullmastiff from a "natural rearing" breeder in Washington and she fed a BARF diet to all her dogs, we were able to see all the dogs she had at her place and they were amazing to say the least.  After Sage came into the picture, the kids with Sage came for Christmas and that was the first time we witnessed the BARF diet in action.  We started feeding our Jack "Miki" the diet along with Sage.  To our surprise were didn't realize Miki wasn't at her best health until after she had been on raw appropriate food for dogs.  We are absolutely convinced it would have saved Otto's life! Miki is now nine years old and can run rings around most - except for some grey she's still a pup.

When witnessing how well she was doing and not just physically but in temperament; the "whole dog" was having her needs met: I kept researching more and more into it only to find many pictures of dogs and cats that have suffered needlessly by a lack of knowledge from pet owners. The stories are amazing - how the well being of their pets were turned around by going raw. Now you may be asking yourself what is BARF or feeding raw to dogs; here are a couple types of raw diet and it would surprise you that its easier than you think to feed as well as, not as expensive as you are thinking - it definitely has saved us in costly vet bills.

BARF is Bones and Raw Food Diet - SARF is Species Appropriate Raw Food Diet -       We still have Miki and Sophie (our bulmastiff) both on a raw diet
 and I can honestly say its the best thing we've ever done.

For those of you out there that still aren't "excited" about the prospects of feeding raw and are happy with feeding "kibbles" that's still your choice, but when purchasing dry do some research and purchase what is the closest to the appropriate food as possible.  And, for you that are convinced you can feed better but raw is out there's still hope in feeding a good / excellent quality dry dog food. Remember we search ourselves and I realize with so many choices out there it is somewhat disappointing to say the least but you can get quality food if you choose not to go raw.

Again it starts with knowing what is appropriate for canines and remember they are carnivores; mostly all brand you find in stores are not appropriate for canines even though they have the "sounds and looks good stuff" it doesn't.  Words on labels can be deceiving so you need to do some homework - don't choose less than the best for your canine.  Now I know your now thinking cost and we've shared with others that have a hard time with - especially during these economic times we are in.  I would kid you things are tough we can vouch for that ourselves but our research, as well as recommendations from family, has lead us to conclude that the best pet food for the money is "Life's Abundance" from Trilogy.  Here on their site you can compare their brand to other top sellers out there - you will be surprised - without a doubt.  Be sure to look at the size of bag as well as the serving size of each.

And, since we've taken on the role as care givers for 10 - now 8 puppies we have been feeding Life's Abundance to give the pup a good start before going to their new homes.  We've seen the difference it makes with them over all just like when feeding Molly their mom.  Molly made such improvement when we started her raw/dry and Life's Abundance meets the needs of both pup and adult dog.  We still feel raw over all is the best and many raw food "natural rearing breeders" still start their pups on the raw and when selling the pups sell to those who will continue in that direction if we keep a pup we'll be doing the same.  The pups we're caring for have had to supplement while nursing - to many pups for what was available and have done well with what I feed them.

I hope this was helpful to you and if you have guestions or would like more info leave in comments and I can send along other helpful links that we've found.

Vaccine Protocol

There is, and will continue to be, a lot of controversy over the use of vaccines in pets (as well as humans).

Much of the controversy stems from the widely held belief that many of today's vaccines aren't necessary for public health, but rather are being pushed by a greedy pharmaceutical industry

One thing to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to vaccinate your dog, or any pet for that matter, is whether the vaccine is required by law.  Much of the legal requirement to vaccinate your pet was at one time a result of public health initiatives necessary to limit the spread of disease among animals as well as people.  You don't have to be an expert on public health to know that animals -- pets -- can spread some pretty serious diseases to humans.  The one that should come to every one's mind is rabies, which can be contracted by humans through a bite from an infected animal.  Of course biggest reason to vaccinate our dogs against rabies isn't because the law requires it, but because we love them and want to protection for such a dangerous disease.

Well the purpose of this post isn't so much to give you my personal thoughts on the issue of vaccines -- which I haven't so far -- but rather to point you to the following web site which has some pretty good information concerning the timing of vaccines for dogs and cats:

The Whole Dog / Vaccines

When reading the article posted on The Whole Dog, you'll easily see how pharmaceutical companies have influenced the timing of initial puppy and kitten vaccines.   Rather than attempt to quote or reiterate the recommendations here, please take some time to read for yourself what I think is some pretty good advice for anyone interested in vaccinating their dog or cat.

I plan on writing more concerning vaccinations in the near future -- hope you find this little bit of interest an encouragement to read more for yourself.  Please be sure to share with everyone what you've learned, after all that's the purpose of this blog.

Jim